Anyone who has ever changed their car’s power steering fluid knows that it can be a bit of a pain to do. In this article, we’re going to take a look at how power steering fluid gets hot and what you can do to ensure that it stays at the right temperature.
Why power steering fluid gets hot
If you’ve ever had to change your power steering fluid, you know that it can get pretty hot. In fact, the fluid is often so hot that it can scald your skin if you’re not careful. Why does power steering fluid get so hot?
The answer has to do with how power steering works. When you turn the wheel, the power steering system uses a pump to send hydraulic pressure to the front and rear wheels. This hydraulic pressure forces the car to move in the desired direction.
One of the ways that the power steering system maintains this hydraulic pressure is by constantly circulating the fluid. If the fluid gets too hot, it can start to break down. This will cause the system to lose its ability to transmit pressure, which will cause your car to become difficult to drive.
So how hot should power steering fluid get? Ideally, it should be just warm enough to stay liquid but not so hot that it starts breaking down. For most drivers, this temperature range will be around 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to check the power steering fluid level
Most carmakers recommend checking the power steering fluid level every 3,000 miles or every time the system has been drained. If the fluid is low, add more until the system is full.
To check the power steering fluid level:
1) Park your car in a level spot.
2) Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
3) Open the driver’s side door.
4) Look down into the power steering reservoir and note the level of fluid.
5) Close the door and turn on the engine.
6) Wait a few minutes for the car to settle into its idle speed and then check again to see if there has been a change in fluid level.
When power steering fluid gets too hot
Power steering fluid gets very hot when the car is in motion. The fluid helps to move the steering wheel and help the driver steer. If the fluid gets too hot, it can damage the steering pump, causing poor steering.
What to do if power steering fluid gets too hot
If power steering fluid gets too hot, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem. You can either add more fluid, or cool the system down.
Adding more fluid is typically the easiest solution. Just top off the reservoir as needed. However, adding too much fluid can lead to further overheating and damage to the system. So be sure to use just the right amount of fluid and don’t overfill it.
If cooling down the system isn’t an option, you can also try to change the power steering pump. This will help reduce the amount of heat that gets put into the system. But again, be sure to keep an eye on the temperature so you don’t damage the pump or system in the process.
Conclusion
Power steering fluid should be replaced every 3-6 months or when it shows signs of deterioration, such as: -A thick sludge at the bottom of the power steering reservoir -Rusting of hoses and connectors -Leaking fluid